15 of the Coolest Pools in the World

1) The San Alfonso del Mar – Chile

The Crystal Lagoon at the San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile currently holds the Guinness World Record for World’s Largest Pool, eclipsing its closest competition at almost twice its size. At 1km long, 115ft at its deepest point and holding 66 million gallons of water, the pool is equivalent in size to 20 Olympic swimming pools or 11 football pitches.

2) Devil’s Pool – Victoria Falls

The world’s ultimate infinity pool is naturally formed and sits atop the Victoria Falls in South Africa. The pool is only safe during the dry season of May to October, when the lower water levels create a natural barrier between swimmers and a 100m drop into the crashing waters below. Swimming in Devil’s Pool is an exhilterating experience, as the force of the water pushes you towards the edge of Victoria Falls, over which 500 million litres of water cascades each minute.

Photo credit: Meraj Chhaya

3) Infinity Pool at Sanctuary Swala – Tanzania

As far from the confines of a cosmopolitan city hotel as one could ever imagine, Sanctuary Swala’s infinity pool sits in Tarangire National Park, overlooking a watering hole frequented by elephants, antelope and even big cats.

4) The Cambrian – Switzerland

There’s something amazing about bathing in a heated pool when the air around you is icy cold. The infinity pool at The Cambrian in Switzerland overlooks the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps and the sprawling valley beneath them.

5) Living Room Pool – New York

From the outside, this may look just like your average Chelsea brownstone. Venture inside however, and it is anything but ordinary, thanks to a 15ft x 30ft swimming pool casually enclosed within the living room walls.

Photo Credit: Wall Street Journal

6) Pamukkale Thermal Pools – Turkey

The Pamukkale thermal pools, located near Denizli, are created by calcium waters flowing from the regions hot springs and forming travertines of solid white calcium as they cool. Visitors flock to enjoy the restorative properties of the waters, often visiting the nearby Antique Pool of Hierapolis too, where marble columns left behind from Ancient Rome are littered beneath the water.

7) Amangari Resort – Utah

Located on the invisible border between Arizona and Utah, the ultra-luxury Amangari Resort offers an oasis in the heart of Navajo Country. The desert landscape provides a surreal backdrop to a pool carved deep into the sandstone rock.

8) Golden Energy Pool at St Regis Thasa Resort – Tibet

The St Regis Thasa Resort sits 3,600m above sea level, offering views across the Himalayas and Lhasa Valley. It is the pool located within the depths of the resort that commands the most attention however, thanks to pool tiles plated in gold to create the ultimate luxury effect.

9) Cave Pool at Katikies Hotel – Santorini

The Cave Pool is one of three pools at this resort, located in the Oia region of Santorini. Crystal clear waters and stark white walls provide a hideaway from the world and are the perfect place to watch those infamous Santorini sunsets.

10) The Red Pool at The Library – Koh Samui

A mosaic of red, orange and yellow tiles creates a stunning blood-red hue that lends the moniker of the Red Pool. The effect is intensified by an amazing contrast between the turquoise of the ocean beyond and the white sand of Chaweng Beach.

11) King’s Pond at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

King’s Pond is a 1.8 million gallon natural aquarium, carved out of black lava rock and filled with a combination of fresh water and filtered seawater. Snorkelling and diving equipment is free to hire from the hotel, so you have no excuse not to take a closer look at the 3,000 tropical fish and manta rays that share the pool.

12) InterContinental Hong Kong

The InterContinental Hong Kong is located on the Kowloon waterfront and with an infinity pool overlooking the whole city, you almost feel as though you are swimming in Victoria Harbour itself. The teak deck, floating lily pads and red junk boats floating in the distance add to the oriental vibe.

Photo Credit: InterContinental Hong Kong

13) Four Seasons Safari Lodge – Serengeti, Tanzania

Soak your shoulder after game drives through the Serengeti, with elephants gathering at a watering hole just yards from your infinity pool.

14) Infinity Pool at Marina Bay Sands – Singapore

If it’s views you’re after, the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore certainly fits the bill. The world’s largest rooftop infinity pool is elevated 57 floors above ground, giving hotel guests a view across the city lights of Singapore.

Photo Credit: Silas Khua

15) Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa – Iceland

Located in the lava fields of Grindavík, the Blue Lagoon has attracted bathers since 1976, when people first realised the benefits of bathing in the intense blue waters and rubbing the silica mud into their skin.